Mill of Bellabeg, Bellabeg

Mid 18th century, disused by 1903, converted to joiners shop 1911. Substantial single storey with lofts, 3-bay, L-plan, water mill sited close to centre of Bellabeg Village. Piend and ball-finialled gabled roofs, and stone forestair, mill wheel and some gearing retained. Coursed rubble with large squared rubble pink granite quoins.

Fine early mill building in largely original condition, situated close to the centre of the small village of Bellabeg. The original stream wheel was replaced with a small overshot wheel when the mill was converted to a joiner's shop early in the 20th century. In the eighteenth century the mill was part of the small estate of Forbes of Bellabeg. There were four meal-mills in the parish at the time of the New Statistical Account 'which on average grind from 1600 to 2000 bolls per annum'. The account also states that 'no wheat is ever grown'. (Historic Scotland)

January 1993: External inspection reveals the mill to be disused and in poor condition. January 2004: Local planners report no change to the building fabric, although it remains in use for storage purposes. April 2004: Local planners report that the mill has recently changed ownership, with the new owner residing at the mill.

May 2008: External inspection finds the mill secured and re-pointed. There are loose or missing tiles and some of the rainwater goods are either blocked or missing in part.

August 2010: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit. Deterioration continues slowly.

7 August 2013: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. It may be in partial use for storage.